Transporting 2 WSM's??


 
D

Dale Matlock

New member
Hey guys, not sure if this is the correct location, but had a quick question.

I have a 22" and 18" WSM that I need to haul in the back of my RAM pickup. I couldn't find much in the way of the best way to transport them. Right now I am leaning towards putting them in the bed closest to the cab side by side, fully assembled and then take a tie down ratchet strap from the right side hook in the bed of my truck to the driver's side hook and then taking a second strap and going from the "top" hook of the right side of the bed to the driver's side top hook.

So basically, a strap going over the top of the smokers and another strap going across the mid sections of the smokers. And then I would stack 12 bags of Kingsford behind them as well as a whole myriad of other stuff in the back of my truck (Coolers, chairs, tables, etc) So that should keep the smokers from shifting I would think? Or anything flying apart...

Anyone else have any other ideas? Warnings? Cautions? or Notes?

I have a pretty big shindig going on tomorrow and Tuesday and will be cooking for a crowd of about 200, so I'm gonna be one busy guy!

The apprehensions I have at the moment are as follows:

1) Leaving it fully assembled (Things crashing around on the inside of it? Waterpan w/ clay saucers all wrapped with foil; charcoal ring and grate, cooking grates?)

2) Taking it apart and risking smooshing it out of round?

I think I have a good plan going on how to haul it, but backup input never hurts!

I should also add that I am going to a campsite in the woods...A U-Haul trailer isn't really an option for me.

Input...Pictures...whatever you got would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Dale :wsm22:
 
That's a good question. I think straps might tweak them a bit.
Could you wrap them in cheap Harbor Freight moving blankets (or towels, etc) & get a few HF cargo bars to keep them from moving front to back?
http://www.harborfreight.com/ratcheting-cargo-bar-96811.html
I would remove the lids. & pack securely.
Possible a ratchet strap over the top to eliminate vertical separation?
The use of the bagged charcoal as you mentioned would be good.
 
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Not much experience with transporting WSM's but I transport kettles often and the best way is separate all components. Use towels to protect edges. I would place fire bowl and lid flat side down. Grates and water pan can fit inside (again wrap in towel to limit movement, rattling, and damage risk.
 
I've transported an 18" WSM recently, and each time I separated the 3 major components, and left the middle assembled (grates, water pan). This was in the bed of a truck (brand does not matter, but not a dodge). No issues, used a light touch with a strap to keep them in place.

Don't over think it.
 
I've brought mine from CT to VT and back a few times in my truck, each time I left it fully assembled. I turned the lids so that I could a strap over the top and trough the handle, making it snug, but not too tight. Left the pan, grates and chimney inside for the trip. I'm sure I also did a strap across the legs or something to keep it from moving, but with the one on the top it really limits where it can go anyway.
 
Can always stuff crumpled newspapers inside to provide packing for the parts so they don't move around.
 
When i had my truck i used to transport my 2 18.5 WSMs to comps. I'd put one in each corner of the bed closest to the cab fully assembled, then I'd put the Weber cover over them. I'd then wrap a bungee cord around it and connect the ends to the same hook in each corner. So the WSM in the left corner would have a bungee around it with both ends connecting to the left hook in the bed and the WSM in the right corner would have a bungee around it with both ends connecting to the right hook in the bed. I think the covers were essential in keeping them standing upright fully assembled and the bungees just kept them from moving.

edit: i miss my truck...
 
I wrap mine fully assembled in Polly Vinyl (Costco) and transport mine all the time like that
 
I leave the middle section on, assembled with the chimney starter, coffee can, and welding glover on the charcoal rack. Use a cargo bar to keep it secure. I have used the cover also, and a strap with the cargo bar before as well. I onyl remove the lid due to having a cab high truck topper, and the lid won't fit by 1-2"!!!

I do place stuff on each side so it won't tip. And have used a Harbor Freight movers blanket to help in the past.

Good luck!
 
I made this crate for taking my 18.5" WSM on vacation. The lid goes upside down into the middle section, protected by an old towel. The fire ring goes in the middle section and the grates below that(the crate is upside down in the pic). The last section is for chimney, newspaper, matches, etc.
0409101126a_325499.jpg
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